They are cloaked in the religiously proper abaya and are forbidden to drive a car, but nevertheless are making their own way in their careers. A new generation of women is changing the strictly religious kingdom of Saudi Arabia. For instance, Rasha Hefzi was recently elected to the city council of Jeddah. It was the first time that women were allowed to vote and run for office. But at the first council meeting, her conservative male colleagues wanted to banish her behind a wall. Hefzi would have none of it. “They claim to want to protect women by excluding us, covering us up and mandating male guardians. That isn’t protection, it’s a siege.”

Or else the young Om Saif, who has taken over a traditional bakery in Jeddah’s old town. Her veil pulled up to her eyes, she gives her employees instructions and stands behind the counter herself – a serious sin to many Saudis. But she told herself, “Don’t be afraid, tear the fear right out of your mind!” and has held on to her passion for this work, partly in order to give other women courage.

Many women are now making advances just like Rahsa Hefzi and Om Saif. Pioneers are winning positions as politicians, lawyers, editors-in-chief and entrepreneurs and are developing ideas for what innovations this society needs for the future. Filmmakers Carmen Butta and Gabriele Riedle spent several weeks in the kingdom and met extraordinary women who want to change their country for more than just women – intelligent, diplomatic and persistent.

Director: Carmen Butta
Writers: Carmen Butta, Gabriele Riedle
Cinematographer: Stefanie Platen
Editors: Philip Gromov, Calle Overweg
Sound: Hasan Hatrash
Commissioning editor: Marita Hübinger
Producer: Gunter Hanfgarn
Channel: ZDF/arte

– Bavarian TV Award, 2017
– Juliane Bartel Award, 2017